xOx Brainstorm Guidance
Choose your starting point.
Brainstorm is where practical intent becomes usable direction for later phases.
View the full Guidance map or return to the Method overview.
Architect Assisted
I have a problem to solve
Use this approach when you know the outcome you want, but not necessarily the solution.
You do not need technical knowledge to begin.
Simply explain:
- what problem you are facing
- who experiences the problem
- how the work happens today
- what frustrations exist
- what a successful outcome would look like
Even a rough idea is enough to start.
xOx helps uncover missing information, identify important decisions, and turn loose ideas into usable project direction.
Architect Directed
I know what I want to build
Use this approach when the solution is already taking shape.
You can guide xOx with information such as:
- project goals
- pages and screens
- workflows
- user roles
- integrations
- data requirements
- technical preferences
- constraints
- security requirements
- success criteria
xOx will still challenge assumptions and highlight gaps, but the discussion can move more directly toward a BuildSpec.
You decide what becomes a BuildSpec
Brainstorm is a conversation.
A BuildSpec is a deliberate project artifact.
Nothing becomes a BuildSpec unless you ask xOx to create it.
When a part of the discussion is ready to capture, tell xOx clearly.
Example prompts:
- Create a BuildSpec from this discussion.
- Create a BuildSpec for the booking workflow.
- Create a BuildSpec for the customer management page.
- Create separate BuildSpecs for the calendar and invoicing features.
You decide when information is ready to be captured.
You also decide whether the project direction should become one BuildSpec or multiple focused BuildSpecs.
Keep BuildSpecs focused
Smaller BuildSpecs usually move faster.
Instead of describing an entire application in a single BuildSpec, consider creating focused BuildSpecs for:
- a page or screen
- a workflow
- a component
- an integration
- a business process
- a user role
For example, instead of Hotel Management Platform, consider:
- Booking Calendar
- Customer Management
- Availability Management
- Invoicing
- Reporting
- Staff Planning
Focused BuildSpecs are easier to review, easier to validate, easier to improve, and often less expensive to process throughout later phases.
A project can contain many BuildSpecs.
What happens next?
As Brainstorm progresses, xOx helps transform ideas into usable project direction.
The goal is not to design the entire application immediately.
The goal is to create enough clarity for later phases to analyze, challenge, structure, and eventually execute the work.
Remember
The most effective Brainstorm discussions are focused, practical, and honest about what is known, unknown, decided, delegated, or still open.